Creating space at intersection of two links

Question

I have a shapefile consisting of two links which are crossing over each other.

I want to create an empty space at the point of intersection of the two links.

As of now, I have been manually doing this like this:

1. Split the line at two points near the intersection. And then remove that feature.
2. Similarly carry out this for the other line.

So by doing this, I create a empty space at the point of intersection.

I want to know whether there is any better way to achieve this using a plugin or any other way?

Can a plugin can be created specifically for this task ? (I'm ready to write one, if this is achievable.)

Below is an image where one link touches other link. Now, I want to create an empty space there.

This is the output I'm expecting:

Answer 1

I would create intersection points, then buffer them by the distance of 'space' you want. Intersect the buffer with the lines, and delete those that intersect. Done.

Answer 2

Another way to go at it would be:

Identify street intersections using the Line Intersections tool in the Sextante Toolbox

or the Vector Menu.

Just intersect your line shapefile with itself. This would result in a new point layer of the intersection points.

You can then buffer the intersection points to your desired size as in Darren's answer.

After that, use the Difference tool to create the 'spaces'. The end result should be what you need.

I hope that helps. Good luck.